I sold my board recently never much use. Try it hooked in it will shift your center of gravity giving you a pivot point to lean back on. Lean back on the hook pushing your feet forward like your edging in the water...

Polo, normally I would do it hooked, but this is not a de-power kite, the only way to slow down in case of 'fast need', is to leave the bar and let it stay attached to your hand.
I'm planing to get a 6-7m foil kite, I can use with a "normal" de-powered bar.
Trust me, it's not that fun to be unhooked